- Licensed program: Regulated and monitored by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, under the guidelines established by the Child Care Act of 1969, as revised.
- License-exempt programs: Operated by public or private elementary school systems, high schools, or institutions of higher learning; programs conducted on federal government premises; and other programs recognized or registered with the Illinois State Board of Education, if children in the program are over age three. License-exempt refers to the licensing requirements of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
- License-exempt family child care: A child care home provider caring for no more than 3 unrelated children under the age of 12, including the provider’s children is exempt from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services licensing requirements.
- Lower Division: Adjective collectively describing college freshmen & sophomores or the curriculum of courses designed for or generally taken by freshmen and sophomores.
